Averrhoa carambola (Carambola)

Botanical name: Averrhoa carambola

Common names: Carambola, Starfruit, Five-finger, Balimbing

Family: Oxalidaceae

Origin: South East Asia

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Season: August - March. Small symetrical tree. Red and white flowers appear on bare branches or at leaf bases. Fruit has a thin, waxy, green-yellow, yellow or orange skin. Oblong and five-angled it is star-shaped when cut across the middle. It has a sweet, watery, slightly acid, pleasant tasting pulp that is eaten raw or preserved. Seedlings have been known to bear in 3 years. Large trees have been known to survive 26°F without damage but young trees must be protected from frost and wind. Fruits very prolifically. Eaten fresh, in salads, as garnishes and in drinks. Varieties: Arkin, Fwang Tung, Kari, Sri Kembangan. The plant will fruit in container even when in small size (2-3 ft).

Similar plants: Averrhoa carambola (Carambola)

• Averrhoa bilimbi (Bilimbi)